ben oui
The English phrase "duh" can be translated into French as ben oui.
The phrase is used to provide a disdainful indication that something is obvious. It carries a dismissive or condescending tone.
Meaning: disdainful indication that something is obvious (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
ben oui is a contraction of eh bien oui. In this expression, ben is a colloquial reduction of eh bien (meaning well or then) and oui means yes.
Which one should you use?
While oui is a neutral way to say "yes", adding the ben prefix shifts the meaning from simple agreement to the implication that the fact is obvious or even stupid to question.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ben oui is highly informal. Other slang options include using Ben évidemment or the shortened slang form évidem, which is a reduction of évidemment.
Did you know?
- The word oui evolved from the Old French word oïl, which was originally a combination of the affirmative particle o and the pronoun il meaning 'he'.
- French speakers often accompany ben oui with a slight shrug of the shoulders and a lift of the chin to emphasize the disdain.
- In Quebec, ben is used so frequently as a filler word that it can appear multiple times in a single sentence without changing the meaning.
Examples in context
- Ben oui, c'est évident.Duh, it's obvious.
- Ben oui, il pleut déjà.Duh, it's already raining.
- Ben oui, je sais bien.Duh, I know that.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking in a living room.
- EmmaTu as froid ?Are you cold?
- NathanBen oui, il neige !Duh, it's snowing!
- EmmaTu es un peu dramatique, Nathan.You are a bit dramatic, Nathan.
- NathanNon, j'ai juste vraiment froid.No, I am just really cold.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ben, oui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
